Leading the charge for improved electric vehicle infrastructure in rural Ontario

In the move to Net Zero, that critical state where greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere are balanced by their removal from the atmosphere, capping global average temperature increase, switching to electric vehicles (EVs) is considered key. Yet there’s one big issue: there aren’t enough charging stations to keep those vehicles moving, especially in rural areas.

Westario Power and Bruce Power Net Zero (BPNZ) have created a program to help solve that problem in the Clean Energy Frontier region of Bruce, Grey and Huron counties in Ontario. Currently, there are only 45 accessible stations across the three counties that combined are home to more than 200,000 people.

In partnership with ChargePoint, an EV infrastructure provider, BPNZ and Westario Power are helping municipalities ‘Lead the Charge’ by offering a turnkey program in the Westario Power service area to install and operate Level 2 EV charging stations in public places. The program is funded in part by BPNZ and Westario Power, and will allow municipalities to lease EV charging stations from ChargePoint, which will install and fully service the stations. To support the initiative, Westario Power will provide the final connection to its distribution system where required.

Yesterday the companies announced that the first EV charging station in their Lead the Charge initiative will be installed in the Municipality of Brockton this summer. Jenny Alfandary, president and chief executive officer of Westario Power, and Mike Rencheck, president and CEO of Bruce Power, were joined by Chris Peabody, mayor of the Municipality of Brockton, at the Walkerton Community Centre to introduce the planned site of the first Level 2 EV charging station at the community centre. It is the first of three planned for the community of about 9,500, which was formed in 1999 by the amalgamation of Brant, Greenock, and Walkerton.

“I am excited about the opportunity to bring a clean energy option to Brockton, which fulfils our community’s vision of environmental integrity and progressive economic development,” said Mayor Peabody. “Council will diligently finalize plans in the weeks ahead that will allow us to get the stations up and running.” The municipality is also considering adding charging stations at two more locations: the Elmwood Community Centre and the Cargill Community Centre.

“Our collaboration with Bruce Power and the Municipality to bring EV charging stations to Brockton is another example of our commitment to community prosperity,” said Alfandary. “Through this partnership, we are living up to our mission of powering people’s lives, while also responding to climate change and supporting the transition to Net Zero.”

“Bruce Power is pleased to partner with Westario Power and Brockton to ‘Lead the Charge’ towards a Net Zero future right here in the Clean Energy Frontier,” added Rencheck. “The Nuclear Innovation Institute’s ‘Plugging In’ report highlighted the need to improve EV access in our area and we are proud to be doing our part in making this a reality.”

 

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Lynn Greiner
Lynn Greiner
Lynn Greiner has been interpreting tech for businesses for over 20 years and has worked in the industry as well as writing about it, giving her a unique perspective into the issues companies face. She has both IT credentials and a business degree.

Featured Articles

Cybersecurity in 2024: Priorities and challenges for Canadian organizations 

By Derek Manky As predictions for 2024 point to the continued expansion...

Survey shows generative AI is a top priority for Canadian corporate leaders.

Leaders are devoting significant budget to generative AI for 2024 Canadian corporate...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now